In the blink of an eye, Canggu went from a sleepy surf town to Bali‘s busiest neighbourhood! Situated just north of Seminyak, it’s known as a ‘hipster paradise’ thanks to the digital nomads, surfers and yoga enthusiasts who have made it their base in Bali.
Although it’s been quickly developed with cafes and hotels popping up every month the town of Canggu still seems to retain its cool surfer vibe.
Here are the best things to do in Canggu!
ALSO READ: Best Cafes in Uluwatu – Where to eat in Uluwatu in 2025
Surf or Learn to Surf
Although the beaches are not as picturesque as Uluwatu, one of the best things to do in Canggu is to surf! Or if you are a novice like me you can learn to surf instead! Batu Belong is perfect for learning to surf with the Bali surf season running from May to September although surfing is possible year-round.
I recently learnt to surf during my retreat at Pineapple House! They offer surf classes in their packages as well as yoga. I had only surfed once before when I was very young, and although I live minutes from the beach I have a bit of anxiety when it comes to waves, but as soon as I had the leg rope on my ankle and hit the water my angst immediately faded and was replaced by excitement and contentment. This was then turned into immense pride as Sunny pushed me onto my first wave and I rose to my feet and glided along! I was so proud to have gotten up on my very first wave!
There are three well-known surf spots in Canggu:
- ECHO BEACH- For the more comfortable surfer
- BERAWA BEACH
- BATU BELONG- Perfect for learning to surf! Personal recommend Sunny Surf and Stay.
You can also rent a board from most vendors at all beaches.
Cafe Hop
Canggu is home to some amazing dining options the cafe/coffee scene is pretty spectacular as well, with new cafes opening every 6 months. I have spent countless hours cafe hopping and searching for that strong wifi connection and good coffee us nomads lust over!
Visit the Local Markets
There are many markets in Bali that a great for a look, grabbing a bargain or buying local produce! The best markets in Canggu are hosted on the weekend, I highly recommend staying in Canggu during this time to visit these cute spots!
- SAMADI MARKET: Every Sunday
- LOVE ANCHOR MARKET: Every Weekend
- OLD MANS CANGGU MARKET: Last Sat on the month
Have fun at the Beach Clubs
It’s hard to go to Bali and not sip on designer cocktails at the iconic beach clubs! Just like in Uluwatu new ones are popping up all the time, and boast killer vibes, good music and bespoke menus to match. Ending the days at with a cocktail in hand at sunset is a high priority on every Bali Bucket-list, here are our top picks in Canggu:
Take a Day Trip from Canggu
Canggu is a great base for exploring other beautiful parts of Bali. Take a day trip to Ubud to visit the famous rice terraces, waterfalls, and monkey forest. For beach lovers, head to Uluwatu to explore its dramatic cliffs and surf spots. If you’re looking for something unique, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are perfect for snorkelling, diving, and breathtaking coastal views.
Best Day Trip Tours
- Nusa Penida
- Ubud + Waterfalls
- Rice Terraces
- Mt Batur
- Uluwatu + Uluwatu Temple
Do Daily Yoga
Bali and yoga go hand in hand. Long before Eat, Pray, Love yogis headed to paradise to spend their days deep in practice connecting with themselves and fellow like-minded spirits. These days there are many healing centres, retreats and fitness clubs offering yoga and meditation for tourists and expats to unwind and find balance amongst the hustle of the streets. We loved our daily sunset yoga at Desa Seni. Or check best yoga retreats in Bali for a more extensive list.
Stay in a Private Villa
I love staying in a private villa when visiting Canggu, especially when visiting in a group or on a romantic vacation. There are many wonderful choices that cater to all types of travellers that are extremely affordable for what they are offering! From private pool 3 bedroom villas to traditional Balinese style, there is something for everyone. Here are our top picks:
Heading to Uluwatu next? Be sure to check out our BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ULUWATU GUIDE
Day Trip to Tanah Lot Temple
Visiting Tanah Lot Pura(temple) at sunset is a very popular thing to do in Bali, with most tourists opting for a tour or hiring a driver to take them to this iconic location. Tanah Lot means Land in The Sea, which is very fitting with its unique offshore settings. Tanah Lot is located in Tabanan, around 11 km away from Canggu.
Party at the Skate Park
Although not a full skatepark, Pretty Poison is a cool hangout that encompasses the spirit of skateboarding. The skateboard bowl itself is actually an old swimming pool, that now draws youthful crowds when the surf at Echo Beach isn’t performing. The venue hosts many events and skate jams, if you love skateboarding culture, music, and drinking, you’ll love Pretty Poison!
Enjoy a Bintang at Sunset
The local beer in Bali is called Bintang which means star. There is nothing better than after a day in the sun surfing to sit back on Batu Belong Beach and enjoy an ice cold Bintang at sunset! If beer isn’t your cup of tea there are lots of beach bars serving up some pretty innovative cocktails!
Stay Fit and Healthy
Canggu is a hotspot for fitness lovers, offering everything from crossfit and weightlifting gyms to yoga and pilates studios. Some of the best gyms include Body Factory Bali for high-end strength training, Wanderlust Fitness Village for crossfit lovers, and The Practice for yoga enthusiasts. Whether you’re into HIIT, surf training, or holistic wellness, Canggu has plenty of options to keep you active.
Top Gyms:
Top Pilates/ Yoga:
Party at La Laguna
Update: La Laguna is currently closed but its due to reopen sometime in 2025.
La Laguna is a Spanish inspired, boho-chic, gypsy beach club that is located on the shores of Berawa and Batu Belig. On arrival, you are immediately transported to a mystical wonderland with extraordinary decor. Cobbled paths, vintage wooden gypsy caravans and multicoloured furniture with alfresco seating scattered over the garden, leading down to the lagoon and opening out to the expansive Bali shoreline and the famous Bali sunsets.
La Laguna also holds big events for you to party at! It is currently undergoing renovations but check back soon for their next event!
Have a Spa Day
One of the best things to do in Canggu is to have a spa day! It’s hard to enjoy Bali without indulging a little bit. There are a lot of spas that have prices that are less than your daily coffee but sometimes they don’t always offer the best service or use the best products. It’s best to go mid-range when choosing a spa knowing you will still be getting a good price but also a great service! In Canggu, I can recommend:
- BUDGET: Marissa Spa
- MIDRANGE: EcoSpa, Massaji Bali, Chillax
- LUXURY: Spring Canggu, COMO Shambhala, Golddust Beauty Lounge
Rent a Scooter
During your Bali itinerary, the best way to explore Canggu and beyond is to hire a scooter! Canggu is quite spread out and to get from one end to another by car can take a long time in their crazy traffic! You can usually rent a scooter for about 60,000 IDR ($6) for a whole day and it will give you so much freedom. If you aren’t comfortable driving a bike you can use GoJek (like Uber) to order someone to take you around for the day.
Be sure to journey down (with caution, Hati Hati) the infamous ‘Canggu shortcut’, that is a narrow ride that cuts through the two main roads of Berawa and greater Batu Belong, driving through the rice paddies. There are many times I have seen cars fall off the edge of this road into the rice paddies so you need to be very careful!
Visit One of the Best Waterparks
One of the best things to do in Canggu with kids is visit a waterpark! For a fun-filled day, head to Splash Waterpark Bali, located within Finns Recreation Club. This family-friendly waterpark features waterslides, a lazy river, and kid-friendly attractions, making it the perfect spot to cool off from the tropical heat.
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, take a short trip to Waterbom Bali in Kuta, one of Asia’s best waterparks, featuring thrilling slides and a relaxing lazy river.
Spot the Canggu Street Art
A unique thing to do in Canggu is check out its vibrant street art scattered throughout the town. While the well-known mural at Old Mans is a must-see, you’ll find plenty of other colourful murals and graffiti pieces adorning the walls. They create an awesome backdrop for photos and add to Canggu’s unique charm!
Explore the Rice Paddies
No trip to Canggu is complete without exploring its picturesque rice paddies. While Bali is famous for the sprawling terraces of Ubud, Canggu offers its own lush green fields that provide a peaceful escape from the town’s bustling cafes and beach clubs.
Take a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle to ride through the scenic paths, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes. The best time to visit is early in the morning or just before sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the fields, making it a perfect spot for photos.
Relax at the Beaches
Although not the prettiest beaches in Bali (unlike Uluwatu beaches), the beaches of Canggu are laid back and offer great surf for both beginners and comfortable surfers. There are 2 main beaches Echo Beach and Batu Bolong beach both boasting black sand and beach bars. For a free thing to do in Canggu – Sit back, and watch the surfers or the amazing daily sunsets!
Party in Canggu at a Cool Bar
One of the best things to do in Canggu at night is visit one bar or two! Canggu’s nightlife scene is just as exciting as its café culture, with plenty of laid-back beach bars, rooftop lounges, and vibrant party spots. For a chilled sunset drink, head to The Lawn or La Brisa, both offering ocean views and a relaxed vibe.
If you’re looking for a late-night party, Pretty Poison is a must-visit for its skate bowl, live DJs, and underground energy. Black Sand Brewery is the go-to for craft beer lovers, serving locally brewed beers in a stylish setting.
Where to stay in Canggu
Canggu is actually quite big and is split into three major areas; Batu Bolong, Berawa, and Pererenan. Berawa is the furthest from the beach but has a great range of cafes. Batu Bolong is probably the main beach area that also has a lot of cafes and restaurants making it a very popular choice.
- BUDGET: Sanata Yoga Guesthouse, Kosone Hostel,
- MIDRANGE: The Apartments Canggu
- VILLA: Villa Daya, Fella Villas
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Canggu Villa Merah
Seminyak vs Canggu
Choosing between Seminyak and Canggu depends on the type of Bali experience you’re after. Seminyak is known for its high-end beach clubs, luxury resorts, and vibrant shopping scene, making it a great choice for those who love a lively and stylish atmosphere.
On the other hand, Canggu offers a more laid-back, bohemian vibe, with trendy cafes, surf breaks, and rice field views. If you’re into wellness, digital nomad culture, and relaxed beach bars, Canggu might be the perfect fit. For those who want a mix of both, staying in one area and visiting the other is an ideal option!
How Many Days in Canggu?
Canggu is the kind of place where you can spend a few days or a few weeks and still find new things to explore. If you’re visiting on a short trip, three to four days is enough to experience the highlights—surfing, café hopping, exploring the rice fields, and enjoying the nightlife.
However, many travelers end up extending their stay as Canggu has a way of drawing people in with its relaxed lifestyle, yoga studios, and coworking spaces. If you have more time, consider staying a week or more to truly soak in the laid-back, surf-town energy
Getting Around Canggu
Canggu is not very walkable, and public transport is limited, so getting around requires a bit of planning. The best and most popular way to explore is by renting a scooter, giving you the freedom to zip around traffic and explore hidden spots. If
you’re not comfortable riding, Gojek and Grab (rideshare apps) are great for short trips, though traffic can sometimes make them slow. For a more comfortable experience, hiring a private driver for the day is a good option if you’re planning to visit places outside of Canggu.
Do I Need a VISA for Bali?
Most travelers visiting Bali can enter with a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which costs IDR 500,000 (approx. $35 USD) and is valid for 30 days with an option to extend. If you’re staying longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa extension or consider a long-term visa before arriving. Always check current visa requirements before your trip, as regulations can change depending on your nationality.
So that’s the best things to do in Canggu! If you have more time to kill check out our Bali Bucket list that has over 50+ things to do in on the island.
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